Most of us who eat bananas do not even know that banana flowers have amazing health benefits.
In fact, banana trees are quite unique. It is the ideal candidate for a zero waste policy. More than 90% of the tree can be used.
We all know about the benefits of the fruit to our bodies. But we do not know about the most improbable benefits of the banana tree flowers.
I believe you should know them and I have summarized 7 of these benefits below.
Who use banana flowers?
People from South Asia and Southeast Asia are the ones that use banana flowers the most. They use it as a vegetable.
The eat it raw in a salad. However, most of the Asian people prefer it steamed with dips.
But that’s not all, they also cook soups, fry it and make some awesome curries.
If you like artichoke, then the flavor is similar.
Like in any artichoke, you can eat both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart of the flower.
Here is how you cut the banana flower and I’ll give you a recipe at the bottom of this post.
Health benefits of banana plant flower
There are plenty of health benefits of this flower, but the 7 most important ones are described below.
1. Decrease free radical activities
Parts of banana flowers are high in antioxidant compounds. It is these compounds that are really good for you. They fight free radicals, which are the cause of cancers.
In fact, the antioxidants contained in the flower have anti-aging properties too. So if you are looking for a product that kills free radicals and keeps you young, look no further. These flowers are the solution.
2. Treat your infections
One of the most useful characteristics of banana flowers is their ability to treat infections. The flowers contain what is called ethanol based extracts.
As such, they inhibit the growth of some of the worse pathogenic bacterias.
For instance, they kill bacillus subtalis (you really don’t want to deal with this one. They also deal with bacillus cereus, and we do not need to forget escherichia coli.
If you are wounded, then use banana flowers.
Scientists have investigated the flower for a number of years. Their findings illustrated that it can inhibit the growth of a particular type of malarial parasite known as plasmodium falciparum. This research was achieved in vitro and is currently investigate even further.
3. Support mothers after birth
Many mothers face a number of issues after giving birth. One of these is the fast reduction of breastfeeding milk.
Not being able to breastfeed your child could cause a number of problems to your newborn as it will lack a set of essential vitamins.
The good news is that banana flowers have a positive effect on the supply of breast milk by boosting it. So, if you need more milk, eat this flower. It will definitely help you.
4. Reduces Anxiety and enhance your mood
You need to avoid anti-depressant at all cost as when you become dependent on them to feel good, there is almost no way back.
So if you are depressing thoughts on a weekly basis, or if you are feeling down, then the answer may be in this fantastic flower.
Banana blossom flowers contain magnesium. This substance has been scientifically proven that it reduce anxiety and best of all boost your mood levels.
In essence, these flowers are a natural anti-depressant. And best of all, you do not have any side effects.
5. An outstanding source of vitamins and minerals
Below, I shall provide you a summary of the nutritional facts of banana flowers contain. But, to be brief, you need to know that this plant flower contains vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E.
They have a high content of potassium and phosphorus as well as fibers.
Just these few points show you that this plant is excellent for your health.
6. Help with diabetes and anemia issues
The flower contains about 56 mg of iron per 100 g. The high content of iron is perfect if you are a victim of anemia.
Think about it, our bodies contains 70% of iron (in our blood). So eating this plant will increase the content of crucial iron in your body.
It was described in a number of scientific journals that diabetic patients that have been offered to consume banana flowers reduced their blood sugar levels.
In fact, they even raised their level of hemoglobin in the body. The reason is that the flower is rich in fiber and iron which assists producing red blood cells.
7. Reduces painful menstrual bleeding
Menstruation is one of the worse time for a woman. She is faced with body pain and at time high loss of valuable blood.
Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are now becoming the norm.
Fortunately, the flower in a banana tree can help with that. Eating the flower will help with your progesterone hormone and as such reduce excessive bleeding.
Banana flower nutrition facts
The African Journal of Biotechnology has published the nutritional facts of this wonderful flower. It took into account the nutritional value for each 100g of banana flower absorbed – Here are the values:
- 553.3 mg of potassium, which is vital for your heart and skeletal/muscular contractions.
- 9.9 g Carb
- 1.07 mg of Vitamins E
- 73.3 mg of Phosphorous – This is really good for your teeth and bones.
- 56 mg of Calcium
- 51 kcal
- 48.7 mg of Magnesium – Amazing resource that boosts your nerves, muscles, immunity, heart, bones, glucose/fat/protein processes functioning
- 1.6 g of Protein
- 0.6 g of Fat
- 56.4 mg of Iron – Fantastic against anemia.
- 5.7 g of Fiber
- 13 mg of Copper
Banana flower salad recipe
Conclusion
Here you have the tools to fight bad mood, depression, anemia, high blood sugar, bad menstruation, infections and free radicals without forgetting anxiety and the most important, the protection of you child when breastfeeding.
You are ready to eat banana flowers, and these are awesome to eat. Get some supplements if you feel not ready to eat the flowers.
Back to you
I hope you enjoyed the health benefits of banana flowers and that you’ll get some to eat soon. Please do not forget to take action and like the post. Share it with your friends and families and please leave a comment below.
See you soon in another Omigy post.